Antique Victorian Silver Salt or Butter Dishes with Cast Shell Decor from Stephen Smith, 1866, Set of 2

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and Details We are delighted to offer this magnificent and rare Victorian solid silver shell salt/butter dish with marks for … Read more and Details We are delighted to offer this magnificent and rare Victorian solid silver shell salt/butter dish with marks for Stephen Smith, London 1876. Apparent upon first glance, this marvellous silver shell is a sculptural work of art in its own right. The entire design, proportion and aesthetics are delightful and capture the essence of Rococo (revival) with asymmetric, fluid and naturalistic decorations. Formed in the shape of a giant clam, this salt cellar/butter dish takes on a nautical theme and would also make for the perfect caviar/seafood hors d'oeuvre dish today. As with many Rococo designs, these sculptural objects are embellished in all dimensions as if to invite the onlooker to handle the object and view it from different angles. No matter the viewpoint, there is an interesting, artistic and intricate detail for the viewer's delight. This shell sits on three cast feet that are wonderfully designed as corals - such a minute yet ornate detail truly conveys the sense of intricacy and the 'no costs cut' attitude in the making of this piece. Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or a modestly sized yet opulent piece of silverware to use on your table, this piece would certainly make for a fine addition to any silver display and the discerning collector. Additionally, with some creative uses, it may also be used to hold some small sweets, tablets or even as a jewellery dish in the modern day. A full set of English hallmarks are present near the tip of the shell on the reverse side. See less